• THERE are two reasons that HS2 is Illegal.

First, HS2 is flouting climate change laws. The similarity between the recent judgment made against the government’s unsuccessful plans to extend Heathrow, which was considered by law to be “legally fatal” is on a par with HS2, and its destructive rape of our parks, country-side, irreplaceable ancient woods and forests, wildlife and eco systems.

Carrying out HS2’s mass deforestation of England is contributing to the worst floods we’ve ever had, with dangerous weather patterns that are changing so rapidly, causing an immediate climate emergency, and toxic air pollution pervading all of our lives.

The laws apply to HS2 as much as Heathrow and we must demand that the government recognises the climate change emergency, (as has happened with Heathrow):

– HS2 and the government have ignored The Paris Agreement, which is illegal.

– HS2 and the government have not taken into consideration the extent of the impact that HS2 will have on climate change and air pollution.

– HS2 is incompatible with obligations against the climate crises.

– We must demand we have environmental laws and legal teams to check the clear abuse of state power by government!

Secondly, and most importantly, the royal assent for HS2 has been invalidated.

Ministers and senior government officials, when it was granted in 2017, knew full well that they were misleading parliament on the costs of HS2, and completion dates, which they knew to be false at the time. This is already proven, and well documented.

This deliberate dishonesty must surely make the royal assent null and void. It will be illegal if HS2 attempt to continue with their destructive construction work in such a situation.

Work cannot continue, and must be halted immediately. HS2 does not comply with, or support, the UK’s target on climate change.

Meanwhile, while we wait for HS2 to be annulled, please sign, Petitions: UK Government and Parliament. “Repeal the 2013 and 2017 HS2 Hybrid Bills Halting all HS2 works immediately”.

“All works on HS2 must stop immediately. A full review of the differences between what was originally approved and current project fundamentals must be carried out. The acts should be repealed. All ministerial approvals made to date should be forensically investigated. A new vote is needed.”

MIMI ROMILLY,
NW5